The Perfect Pie

Jeffrey Hayden

aka “Pizza Ninja”

The sous chef, Hayden got his nickname because of the speed at which he works Forge’s behemoth wood-burning Italian oven, adroitness that comes from stints at thin-crust hot spots Dopo, Pizzaiolo, and Boot and Shoe Service.On the pizza: “We get produce from places like Coke and Riverdog farms, and sun-dried tomatoes from Full Belly. We cure our own sausage, which comes from a small ranch in Manteca. Every product we’re using in the pizza is as pristine as we can possibly get.”

Jeff Amber

aka “Amber”

Forge’s executive chef has had to translate Jeff Krupman’s recipe to a busy restaurant, a task to which he’s well suited, having helmed busy kitchens at Chow and Gigi in Lafayette. On the pizza: “We’re cranking out 450 of these in a night, sometimes; it’s like the pizza Olympics. We strive for consistency, but we really value the uniqueness of every pizza. People will say, ‘Hey, this one is shaped a little differently,’ and I’ll reply, ‘Well, that’s because it’s made by hand.’ ”

Jeff Krupman

aka “PizzaHacker”

In charge of research and development, Krupman’s moniker comes from his penchant for jury-rigging pizza ovens. He’s been “obsessed” with Neapolitan thin crust for a decade and based Forge’s naturally leavened dough recipe on Tartine Bakery’s famed sourdough.On the pizza: “The basis is Neapolitan—thin crust that’s crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, with a focus on simplicity and quality of ingredients. But it’s more ‘Cali-politan’ since we source a lot locally. To me, the idea is to evolve, to constantly tweak the pizza to make it better.”

Faces

In celebration of Berkeley Repertory Theatre’s outgoing artistic director, Tony Taccone, 475 Bay Area arts supporters gathered at the Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco for a memorable evening. The festivities honored Taccone’s 22 years with the nonprofit as a visionary leader, and more than $1 million
was raised in support of the theater’s artistic endeavors and programs. Bob the Drag Queen performed “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” and Rita Moreno sang “This Is All I Ask” from Rita Moreno: Life Without Makeup, which Taccone wrote.

The Lafayette Library and Learning Center Foundation (LLLCF) hosted its annual fundraiser, where book lovers had the chance to roam the library after hours with friends and family. Filled with revelry, dancing, and dessert, the event raised $450,000 for the library and much-needed improvements to the Children’s Area deck.

The East Bay SPCA’s benefit celebrated the many donors and members of the community who take part in helping animals. Guests toured the Oakland facility and met animals that are up for adoption, while savoring an array of food, craft beer, and wine. All proceeds from the auctions went toward the SPCA’s services.

Guests dressed up in storybook attire and experienced a magical evening at Children’s Fairyland in Oakland. At the 24th annual gala, attendees appreciated enchanting decor, a delicious dinner, delectable desserts, and various auction items. This year’s sold-out event was the theme park’s most successful bash yet, raising more than $250,000. All proceeds help Children’s Fairyland continue to provide children with a place that fosters imagination, encourages creativity, and prompts a desire to learn.

At this yearly black-tie event benefiting the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano, attendees gathered at the Diablo Country Club for a delightful evening and enjoyed a three-course dinner, drinks, dancing, and a live auction. All proceeds went directly to the Food Bank, which has been providing food to one in eight residents in Contra Costa and Solano counties for more than 40 years.

Richmond’s Making Waves Academy welcomed two-time Grammy Award winner LL COOL J to the school to have a discussion with the students. The recording artist spoke about the importance of education, his path to becoming an entertainer, and the impact his upbringing had on his success. At Making Waves, 5th- to 12th-grade students receive a rigorous, holistic education to prepare them for college and beyond.

In honor of its 30th anniversary, the John Muir Land Trust hosted a very special incarnation of its annual gathering. Conservation leaders and thousands of supporters came together at the John Muir National Historic Site in Martinez to celebrate with live music, fine wine, gourmet food, and an auction.

This one-night-only fundraiser at the Fox Theater in Oakland ultimately raised more than $3 million for UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital, thanks to its all-star lineup of performers and speakers, which included Ryan Tedder of One Republic and actress Helen Hunt.

The Rotary Club of Lafayette hosted a benefit for the nonprofit New Day for Children. The Alamo-based organization works to aid the recovery of American girls rescued from sex trafficking through a variety of services, including psychological, educational, and other restorative programs. The fundraising event included a cocktail reception, a sit-down dinner, and a live auction.

Fans of the Lindsay Wildlife Experience got wild at the museum and wildlife hospital’s annual soiree. Held at Danville’s Blackhawk Museum, the night saw some of Lindsay’s animal ambassadors join the mix as guests danced to music by The Cheeseballs following a full dinner catered by Scott’s Seafood Walnut Creek and both live and silent auctions. Funds from the event support Lindsay’s goal of connecting people with wildlife by saving animals’ lives and providing up-close animal encounters for visitors.

For the past 18 years, Concord’s Monument Impact has been a force in the city, serving its vulnerable immigrant and refugee communities. Recently, the nonprofit center hosted its Stronger Together gala to celebrate the work that volunteers, local businesses, unions, and others have done to support immigrants in the East Bay. Among those honored for their contributions were volunteer English tutor (and onetime San Francisco Giant) Rob Andrews, former board member Margaret Hanlon-Gradie, and John Muir Health.